Lauries Field waterways were originally built to clean stormwater before it flows into the Plenty River. The current system includes a sediment pond, a wetland and a large irrigation dam.

The system isn’t coping with the large amounts of pollutants it is receiving in the stormwater and is not working effectively. As a result, the water quality is very poor and harmful to fish, birds, frogs and wildlife.

The wetlands are an important part of the neighbourhood infrastructure and a visual feature of Lauries Field. The draft master plan proposes upgrades that will better manage stormwater, create a healthier and more balanced ecosystem and protect the natural beauty of the site.

The current sediment pond will remain and will hold water only after rain – it’s main purpose is to trap dirt from the streets.

The current wetland along Brookwood Avenue will remain and will be cleaned and replanted to support fish, frogs and birds. It will permanently store cleaner and healthier water. The water stored here will pass through a clarifier to remove dirt and harmful pollutants like heavy metals from cars and bacteria from dog waste. This will helps protect local wildlife and waterways. It will retain its current appearance as a small lake

The large irrigation dam will be upgraded to an ephemeral wetland which will mean it will rise and fall with rainfall. Native plants will be used to help clean the water naturally. After rain events, water will stay for a few days before soaking in or flowing out.

As part of the proposed renewal of the site, we may need to temporarily drain the water to remove mud and sediment that has built up over the years. 

This would help prevent future outbreaks of Azolla which are currently impacting water quality. If we do need to temporarily drain the water, we will engage experts to prepare a Fauna Management Plan to ensure any impacts to animals are minimised.

If we do need to drain the water, yes we would refill the permanent wetland with clean water that has passed through the clarifier treatment system. This process may take several weeks. Once the permanent wetland is filled, it will continue to hold water all year round and maintain its appearance as a small lake.

The new ephemeral wetland is designed to naturally refill after rain events so the water level will rise and fall depending on rainfall.

If the proposal is adopted, a Wildlife Management Plan will be created in collaboration with wildlife experts to help reduce the impact on local animals.

The goal of the project is to improve the wetlands so they can better manage increasing amounts of storm water and support more types of animals and plants, creating a healthier environment.

Ephemeral wetlands are natural areas that hold water only after rain, drying out between wet periods. When wet, they become full of life, with frogs, birds, and native plants. Their drying cycle helps keep pests like carp away, supporting native wildlife.

These wetlands also reduce flooding by soaking up rainwater, which is especially important as storms get stronger. They bounce back quickly after rain and have no odour if the vegetation is healthy.

Ephemeral wetlands are becoming more popular in cities because of these benefits.

Community feedback on the draft master plan is welcome. When consultation has been completed, all feedback will be considered before creating the final master plan to take to Council for consideration. The delivery schedule for any works in the final master plan are subject to Council approval and future funding.

Lauries Field is in Doreen and has an area of approximately 4.9 hectares. Generally characterised by open grassed area and a large waterbody, it also features a conservation area and playground.

The site currently contains the following facilities:

• Playground
• Picnic facilities with two BBQ sets
• Two shelters
• Waterbody including a sediment pond, wetland and irrigation dam
• Walking tracks
• Two boardwalk platforms

The draft master plan will guide future upgrades of Lauries Field and will include key recommendations for improvements that will create a safe and inclusive place for people of all ages and abilities to access and enjoy the park.

The draft master plan aims to find a balance between the needs of our diverse community and the facilities required by the different types of activities. It will outline the improvements required to achieve this balance in a staged action plan.

The master plan aims to:

• Improve park infrastructure
• Restore the health of the lake and protect the conservation area
• Improve public access and connections
• Enhance visibility and safety

The draft master plan will also investigate opportunities to enhance active and passive recreation in the reserve.

The rider-made dirt jumps have been removed by the City of Whittlesea because they are built in a conservation area, they are not safe for bike riders and other people using the park and they are damaging protected native vegetation and cultural heritage.

New dirt jumps were constructed at Painted Hills Recreation Reserve in Doreen, suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

Visit the website to learn more.

Consultation is open from 24 July – 7 September 2025. Residents and visitors to Lauries Field are encouraged to provide their feedback online or at one of the in-person sessions.

If you have completed the online survey and would like to provide further feedback or speak to a Council Officer, you can come and chat to us in person at any of our upcoming pop-up sessions. If you are unable to make these sessions, you can contact us by email haveyoursayopenspaces@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or phone 03 9217 2170.